Reconfigurable Waste Container

ABSTRACT

A reconfigurable waste collector ( 100 ) that includes a waste receiver ( 105 ) extending between fill ( 110 ) and receiver edges ( 115, 120, 125 ). Two fill panels ( 130, 140 ) extend between two of the receiver edges ( 115, 125 ) to respective fill panel closure edges ( 135, 145 ), and between fill and backstop edges ( 150, 155, 160, 165 ). A backstop ( 170 ) extends from another receiver edge ( 120 ) and between the respective backstop edges ( 155, 165 ) of the fill panels ( 130,140 ) and to a backstop closure edge ( 175 ). At least one closure panel ( 180 ) hingedly extends from at least one of the closure edges ( 135, 145, 175 ) between a closure fill edge ( 185 ) and a sealing edge ( 190 ), to be closable about the waste collector ( 100 ) during and/or after filling with waste, and to define an interior waste collection volume ( 200 ) and a fill opening ( 205 ). The waste collector ( 100 ) can be uprighted for continued filling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of multimode and reconfigurable refuse, debris and waste containers and collection systems.

2. Description of Related Art

Many types of debris and waste collection systems and containers have been introduced into the residential and commercial refuse collection market over the many preceding years. Such collection systems and containers range from simple paper and polymeric refuse tarps and bags to much more complex, mobile, wheeled, and self-propelled containers and compaction devices and systems.

Such containers and bags are available from grocery stores, home improvement retailers, and commercial wholesalers in many conceivable sizes and shapes. Those skilled in the relevant fields of technology have also devised many types of accessories for such container and bags that purport to enable greater ease of use of other devices such as trashcans, receptacles, and containers.

In the simplest of connotations, trash bags and containers have been devised that enable collection of trash, refuse, debris, and other types of waste such as organic materials arising from landscape maintenance, building operations, and the like. Such trash containers and bags exist in the form of polymeric or plastic bags that are supplied in rolls and boxes. Other such trash bags are fabricated from paper and are typically folded and stacked in some predetermined quantity for delivery to users.

The more complex accessories presently available may often claim to be compatible for use with such paper and polymeric trash to overcome perceived problems in filling the bags and containers. Typically, users have complained that the commonly available trash containers and bags cannot be filled easily unless two users cooperate: one use must hold the bag open, which a second user attempts to fill the bag through the opening being maintained by the other user.

This is extraordinarily inconvenient in that one user cannot assist in the collection and accumulation of the waste to be collected. In one attempt to overcome the need to maintain an opening in such bags and containers, others have devised containers and bags that are compatible for use with larger, rigid trash containers, cans, and receptacles. While such rigid devices can sometimes eliminate the need for a second user by maintaining a fill opening in the bag or container, users continue to complain because such rigid containers must typically be in an upright position. This orientation requires users to lift waste up from the ground for disposal into the upright bag or container.

Many types of yard waste bags suffer from a similar requirement. Such yard waste bags typically only remain somewhat open either when a second user holds open the bag, or when the bag is positioned upright like the rigid receptacles. Some prior attempts have been made to address this problem by use of adapters that purport to hold open a bag for filling. However, the need for an additional accessory increases costs and requires added time for installation.

In still other problematic products that attempt to enable a bag or box-like product configuration, users have nearly always been forced to use adapters or a second user to help keep some opening in the bag, in fact open. The primary problem with bag, box-like, and similar containers is that such are typically fabricated from a flexible material that cannot withstand use during filling operations without collapse of the opening. The flexibility of the material prevents the opening from remaining open unless held open by another user or an adapted, or by mounting the bag on a rigid container.

Some other attempts have been made to try to overcome the need to lift waste up and into bags and containers. Here again, specialized adapters have been suggested, which can be fitted to certain sizes of bags, containers, and even rigid receptacles. Such specialized adapters putatively enable the bags, containers, and rigid receptacles to be oriented to lie against a ground surface whereby the opening of the container, bag, or rigid receptacle rests against the ground surface. This arrangement purports to enable easier movements of waste into the bag, container, and rigid receptacle.

However, much like other prior attempts, the added costs and time required to setup such specialized adapters has been found to be undesirable, leaving many if not most users struggling to easily and rapidly fill such bags and containers.

Despite many attempted improvements over the years, manufacturers, distributors, consumers, and users of such bags and containers continue to seek improved waste collection capabilities that enable easy, convenient, and rapid filling. Such users have long sought and continue to demand improvements that are inexpensive to procure, easy to setup, and that can be adapted for multiple uses without the need for specialized accessories, and more preferably, without the need to procure many types of waste collection devices to meet different waste accumulation requirements.

One survey of consumers has suggested that users of waste collection devices prefer disposable or reusable waste collectors that can be situated about a ground surface to enable rapid and convenient filling without the need to lift waste up from the ground. Further, such users continue to seek from the same waste collector, the capability to be filled much like traditionally upright waste containers and receptacles. Ideally, users would prefer a waste collector that can be reconfigured to accommodate both modes of operation without the need for any adapters or specialized accessories.

Despite the many attempts in the prior art to produce effective, convenient, and easy to setup and use waste collectors, such users as well as those skilled in the relevant fields of technology have remained convinced that further improvements are possible. Under ideal circumstances, such improved waste collectors would remain as inexpensive to produce as prior containers, and would also incorporate all of the advantages of the prior art, while enabling the most desired capabilities and features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many of the problems of the prior art have been overcome with the preferred embodiments of the new and improved reconfigurable waste collectors contemplated by principles of the invention. Some of the long sought after improvements in the field of art have been achieved in new and novel ways with the waste collectors illustrated herein. The improvements described herein enable previously unavailable features including easier storage of unused waste collectors, more convenient setup, unparalleled ease of filling in multiple, reconfigurable arrangements, and straightforward reconfiguration capabilities that enable optimized operational use.

In one preferred configuration of the invention, a reconfigurable waste collector is contemplated to be in an assembled, partially assembled, and/or ready for assembly arrangement and/or configuration, and may include a substantially planar waste receiver bounded by and that can extend between a fill edge and one or more or a plurality of receiver edges. In an optionally preferred arrangement, the fill edge and at least one of the other receiver edges may be parallel and substantially orthogonal to two other parallel receiver edges to form a substantially rectangular waste receiver.

It may also be preferred to have two fill panels that extend between opposite and substantially parallel receiver edges of the plurality to a panel closure edge, and also that extends between opposite fill and backstop edges. More preferably, each fill panel can be uprighted and stood up and substantially orthogonal relative to the waste receiver. An optionally desirable configuration includes a fill opening into the reconfigurable waste collector, which is defined in part by the respective fill edges of the waster receiver and fill panels.

Additionally preferred variations of the reconfigurable waste collector include an upstanding backstop, which may extend from a receiver edge of the plurality and between the respective backstop edges of the fill panels, and to a backstop closure edge. Also preferably, the backstop extends from the receiver edge that is substantially opposite and parallel to the fill edge of the receiver.

More preferably, the backstop can be arranged to stand upright substantially orthogonally both to the waste receiver and to each of the fill panels. When so arranged, the backstop may cooperate with the waste receiver and the fill panels to partial define an interior waste collection volume of the reconfigurable waste collector.

Optionally preferable variations of the invention may also incorporate at least one closure panel that is hingedly attached to at least one of the closure edges. The at least one closure panel preferably extends between a closure fill edge or closure panel fill edge and at least one sealing edge. The at least one closure panel is more preferably movable between an open and closed position relative to the fill panels and backstop.

Even more preferably the at least one closure panel may optionally further bound and define the interior waste collection volume when in the closed position. Also preferably, the fill edge of the at least one closure panel, when in the closed position, may be arranged about the at least one closure panel to cooperate with the respective fill edges of the waste receiver and fill panels to further define the fill opening.

It may also be preferred that the at least one closure panel is sized approximately comparably to a respective one of the fill panels and the backstop whereby when in an open position, the comparably sized at least one closure panel supports the respective and adjoining one of the fill panels and the backstop, in a supporting configuration.

Any or all of the preferred and optional variations of the invention may also preferably include at least one closure strip for joining one or more elements of the reconfigurable waste collector together. Preferably, the at least one closure strip is formed proximate to at least one of the sealing and the other closure edges. It may be preferred too that the at least one closure strip incorporates a fastener such as an adhesive layer or glue strip that further may include a releasable protective strip covering the adhesive layer.

In further optional and preferred embodiments, the backstop of the reconfigurable waste collector may include a fill panel closure tab or tabs, which extend(s) from respective fill panel backstop edges. More preferably, the backstop fill panel edge(s) is/are arranged, when the backstop is extending upright, to be adjacent to the fill panel backstop edges for joining the backstop to the fill panels.

It may also be further desired that the backstop fill panel closure tabs incorporate closure strips with fasteners that enable assembly of the reconfigurable waste collector by the fill panel closure tab or tabs to the backstop edge of the fill panels. In other variations contemplated by the invention, the backstop fill panel closure tab or tabs may extend from the backstop edges of the respective fill panels instead of the backstop fill panel edges, to establish a similar joining capability.

Another possibly preferred modification is contemplated wherein the reconfigurable waste collector also may incorporate a backstop closure panel. Preferably, the backstop closure panel is hingedly attached to and extends from the backstop closure edge of the backstop panel. Also preferably, the backstop closure panel can be articulated and is movable between open and closed positions.

More preferably, the backstop closure panel, when in the closed position, is substantially parallel to the waste receiver panel and substantially mutually orthogonal to the backstop and fill panels. Even more, preferably, in this closed position, the backstop closure panel may also further defines and bounds the interior waste collection volume.

In other possibly preferred configurations, the reconfigurable waste collector may include a first of the at least one closure panels, which is hingedly attached to and extends from a first closure edge of a one of the fill panels. In this optional configuration, a second closure panel is hingedly attached to and extends between a second closure edge of the other fill panel, and includes the aforementioned sealing edge and at least one closure strip.

Much like other variations, the second closure panel is preferably movable between open and closed positions to further define and bound the interior waste collection volume. Also possibly desirable, when moved to the closed positions, these first and second closure panels are foldable to be substantially coplanar, with the second closure panel preferably overlying the first. Further, the first and second closure panels also be substantially parallel to the waste receiver. It may also be useful to have the closure strip being arranged about the overlying second closure panel to be fastenable and joinable to one of the fill panels and/or any other suitably positioned element of the reconfigurable waste collector.

In still other variations, the reconfigurable waste collector may include at least one fold score or folding pattern of scores, which is/are formed in and about each of the fill panels. If preferred, the at least one fold score or folding pattern or patterns of folding scores may be configured to enable ease of folding the reconfigurable waste collector about the fold score or scores whereby the fill panels, backstop, and at least one closure panel are substantially coplanar.

In operation and use, the reconfigurable waste collector may be positioned to have the waste receiver placed in a substantially flat position about a ground surface. In this arrangement, the reconfigurable waste collector is established in a position that enables collection of waste into the interior waste collection volume. Such waste may be accumulated within the interior waste collection volume through the fill edges of the waste receiver and the fill panels.

Such waste may also be accumulated through a large opening that can be substantially opposite the waste receiver, which large opening may be defined by the closure edges of the backstop and fill panels. When the interior waste collection volume is sufficiently full, the at least one closure panel may be movable to the closed position to contain collected waste within the interior waste collection volume.

The at least one closure panel, as well as any other possibly preferred closure panels, such as the backstop closure panel and the first and second closure panels, is/are preferably joinable to another of the at least one closure edges to contain the collected waste. When the closure panel or panels are in the closed position and joined to closure edges, the reconfigurable waste collector may be reconfigured, repositioned, and/or rotated with the fill opening positioned in an upwardly facing orientation. In this orientation, the backstop may also have a substantially planar orientation relative to the ground surface with the fill opening opposite thereto and facing upwardly for continued collection of additional waste.

These variations, modifications, and alterations of the various preferred and optional embodiments of the reconfigurable waste collector may be used either alone or in combination with one another and with the features and elements already known in the prior art and also herein described. Such embodiments can be better understood by those with knowledge and skill in the relevant fields of technology with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred and optionally preferred and alternative embodiments and the accompanying figures, illustrations, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Without limiting the scope of the present invention as claimed below and referring now to the drawings, figures, wherein like reference characters and numerals, and like characters and numerals with primes and/or double-primes, across the drawings, figures, and views refer to identical, corresponding, or substantially like and equivalent elements, methods, components, and features:

FIG. 1 is an isometric elevation view, not to scale, of an embodiment of a reconfigurable waste collector according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2 is rotated isometric elevation view of the reconfigurable waste collector shown in FIG. 1, with various elements and components removed for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 3 is a rotated isometric view of the reconfigurable waste collector of FIGS. 1 and 2, with certain elements rearranged for purposes of further illustration.

FIG. 4 is side elevation view of another embodiment of the reconfigurable waste collector of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, having various components alternatively configured for continued purposes of describing the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an additional, unfolded, ready-to-assemble configuration of the reconfigurable waste collector of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, with certain components added and modified for further purposes of illustration.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of another variation of the embodiments of the inventive reconfigurable waste collector of earlier figures.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a modified configuration of the novel embodiments of the invention that is suitable for use in part or in whole with any of the other contemplated arrangements of reconfigurable waste collectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the various drawings, views, and illustrations of the invention, those having some knowledge in the relevant areas of technology, may come to understand that FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 illustrate various possibly preferred configurations and arrangements of a reconfigurable waste collector 100. A substantially planar waste receiver 105 is included in the reconfigurable waste collector 100, the receiver 105 being bounded by and that can extend between a fill edge 110 and one or more or a plurality of receiver edges 115, 120, 125.

It may be further alternatively preferred that the fill edge 110 and at least one of the other receiver edges, 115, 120, 125, such as receiver edge 120, may be parallel and substantially orthogonal to two other parallel receiver edges, such as receiver edges 115 and 125, to form a substantially rectangular waste receiver 105.

The reconfigurable waste collector 100 may also preferably include two fill panels 130, 140, which may extend and be bounded by the opposite and substantially parallel receiver edges 115, 125 of the plurality. Each fill panel 130, 140 preferably also may extend to respective closure edges 135, 145, which may span between respective fill edges 150, 160 and backstop edges 155, 165.

During assembly of the reconfigurable waste collector 100, the fill panels 130, 140 can be reconfigured and uprighted or stood up to be substantially orthogonal relative to the waste receiver 105. When so arranged, the receiver fill edge 110 and panel fill edges 150, 160 partially form and define a fill opening 205.

In other optionally preferred embodiments, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 can incorporate an upstanding backstop 170, which may extend from the receiver edge 120 of the plurality, and between the respective backstop edges 155, 165 of the panels 130, 140. It may be more preferable for the backstop 170 to stand upright to be substantially orthogonal to both to the waste receiver 105 and to each of the fill panels 130, 140. An interior waste collection volume 200 may be formed in the reconfigurable waster collector 100 and partially defined and bounded by the cooperative arrangement of the panels 130, 140, and the backstop 170.

Alternative variations of the many embodiments of the invention may also include the at least one closure panel 180 being hingedly and/or movably attached to at least one of the closure edges 135, 145, 175. Such an at least one closure panel 180 preferably extends between a closure panel fill edge 185 and at least one sealing edge 190 of the at least one closure panel 180.

In other preferred variations, the at least one closure panel 180 can be articulated and is movable between an open and closed position relative to the fill panels 130, 140 and the backstop 170. It may be even more preferable that the at least one closure panel 180, when in the closed position, further bounds and defines the interior waste collection volume 200 when in the closed position. Similarly, the fill edge 185 may be arranged about the at least one closure panel 180 so as to cooperate with the respective fill edges 110, 150, 160 of the waste receiver 105 and the fill panels 130, 140 to further circumscribe and define the fill opening 205.

Another often preferred modification to any of the various alternatives of the reconfigurable waste collector 100 contemplates the at least one closure panel 180 being sized approximately comparably to a respective one of the fill panels 130, 140 and the backstop 170.

When the at least one closure panel 180 is similarly sized about at least one dimension to the respective fill panel 130, 140 and/or backstop 170 to which the closure panel 180 is attached, enables the at least one closure panel 180 to support the attached fill panel 130, 140 and/or backstop 170, when the at least one closure panel is in the open position. See, for purposes of example but not for purposes of limitation, FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the at least one closure panels 180 are shown in the open position in a supporting configuration to provide structural support for the adjoined, respective fill panels and backstop.

The various possibly preferred embodiments of the reconfigurable waste collector 100 also contemplate various types of joining and fastening systems for joining one or more elements of the reconfigurable waste collector 100. For example, at least one closure strip 210 may be included that is adapted to accomplish such joining and fastening capabilities.

For further example, but not for purposes of limitation, the at least one closure strip 210 may be an assembly of a primer material, a binder material, a fastener and/or fastener material, and a number of other possibly suitable closure strip elements and materials. Such closure strip 210 elements and materials may be assembled in a number of ways that can include a stacked and/or layered arrangement. It may also be optional desired that the primer or binder layer enables improved receptivity of a surface of the reconfigurable waste collector 100 to receive a means for closing, joining, and/or fastening together components of the waste collector 100

The at least one closure strip 210 may preferably or optionally be formed adjacent and/or proximate to at least one of the sealing edge 190, and/or the other closure edges 135, 145, 175. Such an at least one closure strip 210 may be included about any side and/or any inside and/or outside surface of the various components of the reconfigurable waste collector 100 so as to accommodate any optionally preferred arrangements of the at least one closure panel 180.

In further modifications to any and/or all of the embodiments already described, the at least one closure strip 210 may be adapted as, to be, to have, to include, and/or with a fastener 215, which may optionally be formed as an adhesive layer or glue strip. For such an exposed adhesive layer or glue strip configuration, a releasable protective strip 220 may also be separately and/or integrally formed about the adhesive layer or glue strip to cover the adhesive layer until exposure is required for use in joining and fastening the various components.

In another optional variation of any of the embodiments of the invention, other types of closure strips 210 may be formed as fasteners 215 that may preferably be formed as and/or include hook and loop fasteners such a Velcro® strips. Such fasteners 215 may also be formed as and/or incorporate tongue and groove, tab and slot, snap on buttons, bendable and/or flexible prong and hole-type fasteners (often referred to as “ACCO®” fasteners), and/or zipper-like fasteners similar to those often referred to as Zip-Loc® fasteners often used in polymeric food storage bags.

Another fastener 215 contemplated for use with the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may include laced, pull-string, and cinch cord type fasteners 215 such as those used in many types of polymeric refuse bags. In further optionally useful configurations, the fastener 215 of the closure strip 210 may be fastened with adhesive tapes that can be single sided adhesive tapes, as well as double-sided adhesive tapes.

In operation, the adhesive layer and/or glue strip type fastener 215 may be uncovered by removing the integral releasable protective strip 220. When uncovered, the fastener 215 formed as the adhesive layer 215 enables the at least one sealing edge 190 to be fastened to or joined with another appropriate portion of the reconfigurable waste collector 100.

Such an appropriate portion can include, for purposes of example but limitation, any of the positionally convenient, appropriate, and/or preferred closure edges 135, 145, 175 and portions of the panels 130, 140 and backstop 170 adjacent and/or proximate thereto. Any of the other types of noted fasteners 215 that do not require use and removal of the protective strip 220, may be similarly employed to join the at least one sealing edge 190 to another of the closure edges 135, 145, 175 or other proximate and/or adjacent portion or element of the reconfigurable waste collector 100.

Each or any of the optional and preferred configurations of the waste collector 100 may also use an alternatively preferred backstop 170 and/or fill panel 130, 140, which may be adapted with one or more fill panel closure tab or tabs 230 (FIG. 5). Such a sometimes preferred fill panel closure tab or tabs 230 may further include the closure strips 210 having fasteners 215, which be formed as adhesive strips, or any of the other types of fasteners described elsewhere herein. The fill panel closure tab or tabs 230 can thus extend from the backstop edges 155, 165 as illustrated in FIG. 5, as well as from the corresponding edges of the backstop 170, as may be understood by one skilled in the relevant arts.

The invention also contemplates a variation of any of the optionally preferred at least one closure panels 180 wherein the backstop 170 further incorporates a similarly configured backstop closure panel 240. The modified backstop closure panel 240 may also the previously described sealing edge(s) 190 and closure strips 210.

It may also be preferably for the backstop closure panel 240 to be hingedly attached to and extends from the backstop closure edge of the backstop panel. Also preferable, the backstop closure panel can be articulated and is movable between open and closed positions, and may be adopted alone and/or to cooperate with the other at least one closure panels 180.

For certain possibly required and/or desired applications, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may be further adapted wherein a first closure panel 250 of the at least one closure panels 180 is hingedly attached to and extends from a first closure edge, such as closure edge 135. Additionally, a second closure panel 255 may be hingedly attached to and extend between a second closure edge, such as closure edge 145, and the sealing edge 190. When moved to the closed positions, the first and second closure panels 250, 255 may articulate and be foldable to be substantially coplanar with each other, wherein with the second closure panel 255 may preferably overly the first 250, or vice versa.

In other alternative configurations, optionally preferred capabilities for folding and stacking the reconfigurable waste collector 100 are contemplated. With continued reference to the various figures, and now also specifically to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, those having some knowledge in the relevant technology may appreciate that the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may include at least one fold score or folding pattern of scores, such as first and second fold scores or patterns 260, 265.

Such first and second fold scores or fold patterns 260, 265 may be formed in and about each of the fill panels 130, 140 to enable the capability to reconfigure and fold and stack the various embodiments of the reconfigurable waste collector 100. For purposes of example without limitation, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may be fabricated and delivered to users in an unassembled form such as that depicted in FIG. 5, or may be delivered partially assembled such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Further, a fully and/or partially assembled variation may be possibly desired by users as contemplated in FIGS. 3 and 5. Another partially and/or fully assembled alternative configuration is also contemplated wherein the reconfigurable waste collector 100 is also folded about one or more of the exemplary first and second fold scores or fold patterns 260, 265.

In any of these optionally desirable arrangements, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may be preferably partially assembled during manufacture and before delivery to a user, wherein the closure strips are releasable (as with hook-and-loop or zipper type fasteners) and/or unattached, but positioned as if ready to be joined or fastened. In this way, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may be folded as in FIG. 4 and then stacked in a preferred delivery quantity during manufacture, to enable more convenient storage, transportation, and packaging for delivery to users. Upon receipt by a user, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 may thereupon be rapidly unfolded as depicted in the various figures, including for example FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

It may also be preferred to deliver the reconfigurable waste collector 100 as shown in FIG. 5, perhaps in a stack of a predetermined quantity, or partially folded about other fold lines, which could be the closure edge 135, 145, 175. In this optionally preferred way, the reconfigurable waste collector 100 can possibly also be stacked in a preferred quantity for delivery, where after users may quickly assemble the reconfigurable waste collector 100 for use as contemplated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, from the unassembled and/or unfolded alternative of FIG. 5.

With continued reference to the various figures, and now also to FIG. 6, another alternatively modified, reconfigurable waste collector 300 is depicted having many of the same and/or similar features, elements, and components of the many alternative configurations of the reconfigurable waste collector 100.

Further, the similarly arranged, reconfigurable waste collector 300 includes a waste receiver 305, fill panels 310, 315, and backstop 320 with a sealing edge 325, and a closure panel 330 with a sealing edge 335. Another sealing edge 340 may also be optionally included, which may cooperate with the sealing edge 335 and/or the closure panel 330 to close the collector 300.

Any of the embodiments described elsewhere herein might also be further modified as illustrated by another modified, reconfigurable waste collector 400, which is depicted in one exemplary arrangement in FIG. 7. Here, the reconfigurable waste collector 400 includes a waste receiver 405 bounded at side received edges by fill panels 410, 415, which may optionally include sealing edges 420, 425.

This version of the optionally preferred reconfigurable waste collector 400 also may include a backstop 430 that carries a movable closure panel 440 having possibly preferred and oppositely disposed, sealing tabs 445. The sealing tabs 445 and sealing edges 420, 425 may be used alone and/or in any combination of closure strips 210 and fasteners 215.

In operation during setup and use, the reconfigurable waste collectors 100, 300, 400 may be positioned to have the waste receivers 105, 305, 405 placed in a substantially flat position about a surface, such as the ground, a shop or industrial floor, a garage floor, etc. With reference specifically to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, those skilled in the various related areas of technology may be able to comprehend that the collectors 100, 300, and 400 are thereby well orientated for use.

More specifically, users can easily shovel, scoop, rake, brush, broom, and otherwise move refuse, debris, waste, and other materials into the interior waste collection volume through the fill opening 205, as well as through a larger opening 207. The larger opening 207 may be partially circumscribed by and defined, among other possibilities, by the closure edges 135, 145, and 175.

As the interior waste collection volume becomes as full as desired, the at least one closure panel, such as panels 180, 240, 250, 255, may be articulated and moved into the closed position (for example, as shown in FIG. 3) to contain the collected and accumulated refuse, debris, and waste.

In another alternatively useful arrangement, the reconfigurable waste collectors 100, 300, 400 may be further reconfigured, repositioned, and/or rotated from the positions generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, into the position shown generally in FIG. 4, wherein with the fill opening 205 is orientated in a substantially upwardly facing position.

In this orientation, the backstop 170, 320, 430 may also be cooperatively positions in a substantially planar orientation relative to the ground surface. With the fill opening 205 so positioned, user may desire to pack the accumulated refuse and debris down into the interior waste collection volume 200, to enable continued collection of additional waste through the fill opening 205.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications that involve the requirement to collect and accumulation refuse, debris, trash, and waste. The many optionally preferable arrangements of the inventive reconfigurable waste collector and systems of the invention are readily modifiable wherein the described features, capabilities, components, and elements can be used alone, and/or in various combinations to accommodate nearly any conceivable type of such applications.

The shape, size, and arrangement of the many illustrated features, elements, capabilities, and components of the novel reconfigurable waste collectors can be modified according to the principles of the invention as may be required to suit a particular type of waste to be collected. For example, the embodiments described may be fabricated from wood-based paper materials when refuse such as organic material and yard waste are to be accumulated and composted. Alternatively, polymeric and combination polymeric and paper materials can be used for accumulating waste that may include liquid constituents, which would otherwise render paper materials unserviceable.

Other applications may require reusable configurations of reconfigurable waste collectors 100, 300, 400, best suited for fabrication from washable and more durable polymeric or even stronger materials that use the releasable fasteners 215 contemplated herein. These features and capabilities enable a much improved waste collector that has been possible with previous attempts. Further the capability to fold and stack, and the multiple collector accumulation positions of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 offer greater conveniences than has been previously possible.

Further modified arrangements are also possible as may be contemplated by those having skill and knowledge in the relevant fields of technology, which may incorporate capabilities and features from prior innovations, which may be compatible for use with the many various configurations of the inventive, reconfigurable waste collectors 100, 300, 400.

Accordingly, even though only few such embodiments, alternatives, variations, and modifications of the present invention are described and illustrated, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications, combinations, and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined and recited in the following claims. 

1. A reconfigurable waste collector, comprising: a substantially planar waste receiver extending between a fill edge and a plurality of receiver edges; two upstanding, parallel fill panels respectively extending from opposite and substantially parallel receiver edges of the plurality to respective panel closure edges, each fill panel also extending between a fill and backstop edge to be substantially orthogonal to the waste receiver, the respective fill edges partially defining a fill opening; an upstanding backstop extending from a receiver edge of the plurality and between the respective backstop edges of the fill panel and to a backstop closure edge to be substantially orthogonal to the waste receiver and fill panels, the waste receiver, fill panels, and backstop partially defining an interior waste collection volume; at least one closure panel hingedly extending from at least one of the closure edges between a closure panel fill edge and at least one sealing edge, the at least one closure panel movable between an open and closed position relative to the fill panels and backstop, and when in the closed position to further bound the interior waste collection volume and further define and circumscribe the fill opening; at least one closure strip formed proximate to at least one of the sealing and the other closure edges, the closure strip including a fastener joinable to at least one of the closure edges, the backstop, and the fill panels.
 2. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one closure panel is comparably sized to at least one of the respective adjoining fill panels and backstop in a supporting configuration therewith.
 3. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 1, further comprising: a backstop closure panel hingedly extending from the backstop closure edge and movable between open and closed positions whereby when in the closed position the backstop closure panel is substantially parallel to the waste receiver panel and substantially mutually orthogonal to the backstop and fill panels.
 4. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 1, wherein a first of the at least one closure panels hingedly extends from a first closure edge of a one of the fill panels, the waste container further comprising: a second closure panel hingedly extending between a second closure edge of the other fill panel and the sealing edge, the sealing edge including the at least one closure strip further including a adhesive layer, the second closure panel movable between open and closed positions; whereby when moved to the closed positions, the first and second closure panels are foldable to be substantially parallel to the waste receiver with the second closure panel overlying the first and with the adhesive being joinable the one of the fill panels; and wherein the at least one sealing edge is joinable to another of at least one of the closure edges, the backstop, the second closure panel, and the fill panels.
 5. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 4, further comprising: at least one fold score formed in each of the fill panels; and the reconfigurable waste collector being foldable about the respective at least one fold scores whereby the fill panels, backstop, and at least one closure panel are substantially coplanar.c
 6. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 1, wherein the waste receiver is positionable about a ground surface to establish the reconfigurable waste collector in a collection position; whereby waste to be collected may be accumulated within the interior waste collection volume through the fill edges of the waste receiver and the fill panels; and whereby after waste collection, the at least one closure panel is movable to the closed position to contain collected waste within the interior waste collection volume, and an adhesive layer fastener is included in the fastener to be joinable to another of the at least one closure edges to contain the collected waste.
 7. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 6, wherein the reconfigurable waste collector is rotatable to establish the backstop in a substantially planar orientation relative to the ground surface with the fill opening facing upwardly for continued collection of additional waste.
 8. A reconfigurable waste collector, comprising: a substantially planar waste receiver extending between a fill edge and a plurality of receiver edges; two parallel fill panels respectively extending from opposite and substantially parallel receiver edges of the plurality to a respective panel closure edge, each fill panel extending between fill and backstop edges, and being upstandable substantially orthogonal to the waste receiver, the respective fill edges partially defining a fill opening; a backstop extending from a receiver edge of the plurality and between the respective backstop edges of the fill panels and to a backstop closure edge to be upstandable substantially orthogonal to the waste receiver and fill panels, the waste receiver, fill panels, and backstop partially defining an interior waste collection volume; at least one closure panel hingedly extending from at least one of the closure edges between a closure panel fill edge and at least one sealing edge, the at least one closure panel movable between an open and closed position relative to the fill panels and backstop, and to further define the interior waste collection volume when in the closed position; at least one closure strip formed proximate to at least one of the closure edges and the at least one sealing edge, the closure strip including an adhesive layer covered with a releasable protective strip; and wherein the adhesive layer is exposable whereby the at least one sealing edge is joinable to another of at least one of the closure edges, the backstop, and the fill panels to further define the fill opening.
 9. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 8, further comprising: at least one fill panel closure tab extending from at least one of backstop fill panels edges and the respective fill panel backstop edges, the at least one closure tab being adapted to join the backstop to the fill panels whereby the waste receiver, fill panels, and backstop are substantially mutually orthogonal.
 10. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 8, wherein the at least one closure panel is comparably sized to at least one of a respective adjoining fill panel and backstop in a supporting configuration therewith.
 11. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 8, wherein a first of the at least one closure panels hingedly extends from a first closure edge of a one of the fill panels, the waste container further comprising: a second closure panel hingedly extending between a second closure edge of the other fill panel and the sealing edge, the sealing edge including the at least one closure strip, the second closure panel movable between open and closed positions; whereby when moved to the closed positions, the first and second closure panels are foldable to be substantially coplanar to each and to be substantially parallel to the waste receiver with the second closure panel overlying the first and with the adhesive being joinable the one of the fill panels subsequent to removal of the releasable protective strip; and wherein the at least one sealing edge is joinable to another of at least one of the closure edges, the backstop, the second closure panel, and the fill panels.
 12. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 11, further comprising: at least one fold score formed in each of the fill panels; and the reconfigurable waste collector being foldable about the respective at least one fold scores whereby the fill panels, backstop, and at least one closure panel are substantially coplanar.
 13. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 8, wherein the waste receiver is positionable about a ground surface to establish the reconfigurable waste collector in a collection position; whereby waste to be collected may be accumulated within the interior waste collection volume substantially through the fill edges of the waste receiver and the fill panels; and whereby after waste collection, the at least one closure panel is movable to the closed position to contain collected waste within the interior waste collection volume, and the adhesive layer is joinable to another of the at least one closure edges to contain the collected waste.
 14. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 13, wherein the reconfigurable waste collector is rotatable to establish the backstop in a substantially planar orientation relative to the ground surface with the fill opening facing upwardly for continued collection of additional waste.
 15. A reconfigurable waste collector, comprising: a substantially planar waste receiver extending between a fill edge and a plurality of receiver edges; two parallel fill panels each formed with at least one fold score and respectively extending from opposite and substantially parallel receiver edges of the plurality to a respective panel closure edge, each fill panel upstandably extending between fill and backstop edges to be substantially orthogonal to the waste receiver, the respective fill edges partially defining a fill opening; a backstop extending from a receiver edge of the plurality and between the respective backstop edges of the fill panels and to a backstop closure edge to be upstandable substantially orthogonal to the waste receiver and fill panels, the backstop and fill panels partially defining a waste collection volume; at least one closure panel hingedly extending from at least one of the closure edges between a closure panel fill edge and at least one sealing edge, the at least one closure panel operable to articulate between an open and closed position relative to the fill panels and backstop, and when in the closed position to further bound the interior waste collection volume and to further define the fill opening; at least one closure strip formed proximate to at least one of the closure edges and the at least one sealing edge, the closure strip including an adhesive layer and a releasable protective strip covering the adhesive layer; wherein the adhesive layer is uncoverable by removing the releasable protective strip whereby the at least one sealing edge is joinable to another of at least one of the closure edges, the backstop, and the fill panels; and the reconfigurable waste collector being foldable about the respective at least one fold scores of the fill panels whereby the fill panels, backstop, and at least one closure panel are substantially coplanar.
 16. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 15, wherein the at least one closure panel is comparably sized to at least one of the respective adjoining fill panels and backstop in a supporting configuration therewith.
 17. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 15, further comprising: a backstop closure panel hingedly extending from the backstop closure edge and movable between open and closed positions whereby when in the closed position the backstop closure panel is substantially parallel to the waste receiver panel and substantially mutually orthogonal to the backstop and fill panels.
 18. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 15, wherein a first of the at least one closure panels hingedly extends from a first closure edge of a one of the fill panels, the waste container further comprising: a second closure panel hingedly extending between a second closure edge of the other fill panel and the sealing edge, the sealing edge including the at least one closure strip, the second closure panel movable between open and closed positions; whereby when moved to the closed positions, the first and second closure panels are foldable to be substantially coplanar to each and to be substantially parallel to the waste receiver with the second closure panel overlying the first and with the adhesive being joinable the one of the fill panels subsequent to removal of the releasable protective strip; and wherein the at least one sealing edge is joinable to another of at least one of the closure edges, the backstop, the second closure panel, and the fill panels
 19. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 18, further comprising: at least one fold score formed in each of the fill panels; and the reconfigurable waste collector being foldable about the respective at least one fold scores whereby the fill panels, backstop, and at least one closure panel are substantially coplanar.
 20. The reconfigurable waste collector according to claim 15, wherein the waste receiver is positionable about a ground surface to establish the reconfigurable waste collector in a collection position; whereby waste to be collected may be accumulated within the interior waste collection volume substantially through the fill edges of the waste receiver and the fill panels; whereby after waste collection, the at least one closure panel is movable to the closed position to contain collected waste within the interior waste collection volume, and the adhesive layer is joinable to another of the at least one closure edges to contain the collected waste; and wherein the reconfigurable waste collector is rotatable to establish the backstop in a substantially planar orientation relative to the ground surface with the fill opening facing upwardly for continued collection of additional waste. 